Elder Hedge (Sambucus nigra "Elderflower Bush")

Elder hedge plants, often referred to as Sambucus, are fast-growing, deciduous shrubs known for their ornamental beauty and wildlife benefits. They produce clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by dark purple to black berries in the autumn. These berries are a favorite of birds and can also be used to make jams, wines, and syrups. Elder plants have deeply lobed, green foliage that adds texture to the landscape, with some varieties offering striking purple or golden leaves. They thrive in most soil types, particularly in moist, well-drained conditions, and are tolerant of partial shade or full sun. Ideal for informal hedging, elder plants provide privacy, attract pollinators, and bring seasonal interest with their flowers, berries, and vibrant foliage. Easy to maintain and hardy, they make a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Pruning Advice

Pruning elder hedge plants (Sambucus) is important to encourage healthy growth, maintain shape, and promote flowering and berry production. Here’s how to prune them effectively:

Timing: The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins. This helps the plant recover and encourages vigorous new shoots.

Annual Pruning: Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve overall plant health. Also, cut back any crossing or congested stems to improve airflow and light penetration.

Shaping: Trim the elder to the desired shape by cutting back long, unruly branches. To maintain a hedge form, regularly prune the top and sides to keep a compact structure.

Rejuvenation Pruning: Every few years, you can perform a hard prune by cutting back up to one-third of the oldest stems to ground level. This encourages fresh, more vigorous growth and keeps the plant looking young and vibrant.

Flower and Berry Production: To enhance flowering and berry production, selectively prune some older wood while leaving newer stems, as the berries and flowers form on second-year wood.

Prune regularly to keep your elder hedge looking neat and to ensure an abundance of flowers and berries each season.

Further Information

Planting distances are largely a matter of preference. For bare root plants, spacing them at 3 plants per meter is sufficient, 5 plants is optimal, and 7 plants in a double staggered row will result in a denser hedge more quickly. Generally, smaller plants should be planted at a higher density. For cell-grown plants, spacing at 4 plants per meter in a single row or ideally 6 plants per meter in a staggered row is recommended.

Delivery & Returns

Free delivery is available on most orders (except Premium Products) providing they meet the minimum spend criteria for the size of box or pallet. Pallet deliveries and large box deliveries for tall plants are indicated by icons on the product table listings. Delivery costs and minimum order details for each packaging type are as follows:

* Standard Sized Boxes (Bare root up to 1.2m tall & pots up to 7.5L) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £7.99 charge.

* Tall Sized Boxes (Bare roots 1.2m & over) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £100 | or £14.99 charge.

* Pallets (Root balls, large pots 10L+, trees etc | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £350 | or £60 charge.

* Pleached Trees (Specialist Delivery) | Free UK Mainland Delivery for orders over £1500 | or £450 charge.